Australian Cyclists Party - www.icycleivote.com - First 100 Members!!!

So how many of us think it's time? That it makes sense? That we can make a difference? That we would at least have fun trying?

How would we do it? What do we call it? Just cycling? Who's ready to be involved?

Just putting it out there to test the extent of genuine interest given comments elsewhere. Should there be "critical mass" we will launch soon.

Vote for taking part by marking "+1" in a response here. Those wishing to actively participate please make yourself known here or by private message.

Update 1: Meetings are planned to create a committee tasked with evaluating the creation of a party. Updates will be posted in this discussion.

Update 2; Oct 5: Two meetings held so far. To register a party for the next NSW elections we will need 750 signatures from currently registered voters or "electors" by year's end... probably closer to 1,000 to make sure we cover off any challenges and have the foundation of a broad support network. An application fee of $2k is also required which we could raise through crowd funding.

Identifying committed committee members and naming the party are now the focus. A parallel launch in Victoria is also under consideration given the close timing of elections. The next committee meeting will take place this Wednesday.

Update 3; Oct 7: We will begin the effort to register a party in both Victoria and NSW beginning this week. In Victoria things kick off at the Ausbike Bicycle Show this coming weekend and in NSW the following week at theBike and Lifestyle Show. We are looking for volunteers for the booths and to help sign up party members at both locations. Please email your interest to cyclistsparty@go-alliance.net

I agree Martin that they all should, but the evidence is clear that they don't and as the major parties now increasingly vie for the same policy real estate it leaves room for the fringes to be covered by others who in turn exercise disproportionate influence. Presto Shooters and Fishers, Car Enthusiasts, etc. become pivotal to governing. This is the underbelly of democracy where single issue parties can swing votes and policy.

So do we try to stop it (who will listen?) or accept and play by the new reality? It's a good question.

You make a great point Paul. And while the Greens have often been the champion on cycling issues this very alignment sometimes works against cycling both in a mainstream political and public context. I was told as much by one Green parliamentarian who while ready to embrace an initiative advised that it would make it less saleable to the majority party if they jumped in first. That can be the problem of having others do your bidding.